There will be goodies up for grabs on opening dayWalkthrough of new Normal store

Danish retailer Normal is set to open a new shop in the heart of Cork city, selling everything from big-name cleaning and beauty products to niche snacks – and we got a sneak peek ahead of tomorrow’s grand opening.

The quirky retailer prides itself on stocking a ‘little bit of everything’, adding 100 new items every week alongside the thousands of permanent products kept on shelves year-round. The brand has already opened two outlets in Dublin, and the Cork store will mark its first expansion outside the capital, with another store in Galway expected to open in the near future.

The Normal store on Grand Parade(Image: CorkBeo/Daire Fitton)

The trendy retailer describes itself as a store that ‘sells completely normal products at abnormal prices’, and the extra 100 products added to shelves every week aim to encourage customers to ‘go treasure hunting’ for bargains. The team is expecting “lines round the corner” as the shop opens its door on Thursday, with special prizes and treats up for grabs to mark the launch.

A DJ will also be on hand from 8am to 9pm to boost the mood as shoppers flood in to the new store, which is opening at the Queen’s Old Castle unit on the Grand Parade.

More low-price products on the shelves(Image: CorkBeo/Daire Fitton)

The unit has been vacant for six years following Argos’ exit from the Irish market. Queen’s Old Castle was developed as a department store in 1835 and, in 1980, it was refurbished as a shopping centre with 37 shops and restaurants.

The new Normal store will stock a mix of well-known brands such as L’Oréal, Maybelline, Nivea, Gillette, Colgate, Garnier, Nescafé, Oreo, Vanish and Finish – as well as exclusive brands such as PUCA Pure&Care, Alva and The Hair Project, all at “fixed low prices.” In a time when Irish households are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, good deals on essentials and little luxuries will be more than welcome to customers in Cork.

Low prices on display(Image: CorkBeo/Daire Fitton)

The team at Normal told CorkBeo they have big plans for opening day. A spokesperson said: “The first 10 people in the queue will each receive a 30 euro Normal gift card, which can be redeemed directly in the store. In addition, 1,000 goodie bags await the first customers, as well as the chance to win an entire pallet of Normal products.

“Visitors can also expect interactive competitions, including the ‘TADAAA Ticket’ competition, inspired by the classic ‘Golden Ticket.’ With a little luck, one customer buying a shopping bag in the checkout area can be the lucky winner of a hidden ticket, which can be redeemed for a 334 euro gift card. A digital voucher will also be available via QR code, or by signing up here to nab a free product within the first week of opening.”

Plenty of snacks(Image: CorkBeo/Daire Fitton)

Shane Holbrook, Cork store manager, also told CorkBeo: “Me and the team are super excited about the opening. It’s been a huge feat, it’s one of the biggest stores in the business. We’re expecting to smash a lot of records tomorrow, so we can’t wait for that.”

Jakob Frølich Maarbjerg, CEO of Normal, added: “Following the warm welcome customers have given us in Dublin, we are excited to expand to Cork and bring the Normal experience to even more shoppers in Ireland. I’m sure the people of Cork will find the shopping experience at Normal fun, surprising and affordable, and we look forward to welcoming customers through the doors at Queen’s Old Castle.”

Normal is set to open its doors in Cork city at 8 am tomorrow, Thursday, May 7.